COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library’s (CML) Board of Trustees yesterday unanimously voted to pause plans for a new West Case Branch to be constructed on the city’s northwest side. Announced in January, the new branch would have become CML’s 24th library location serving Franklin County.
The decision by CML’s Trustees comes amid future uncertainty in library funding due to recent state funding policy changes. Compounding this challenge are ongoing discussions regarding reform of Ohio’s property tax laws and a citizen-led effort to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would eliminate property taxes. CML’s budget relies primarily on local property taxes and the state’s Public Library Fund, which historically provided stable and predictable library funding each biennium.
“We know this news is disappointing for the northwest Columbus community,” said CML CEO Lauren Hagan. “We share in their disappointment. Our Board of Trustees made this difficult decision after careful consideration of the financial uncertainty that lay ahead and its impact on our commitment to remain responsible stewards of public dollars.”
CML’s Trustees will assess when or whether to move forward with the project as the long-term landscape for state funding and property taxes becomes clearer.
If the decision is made to resume, the new library branch will be built within a planned City of Columbus park located across from The Ohio State University’s airport on Case Road. The City of Columbus purchased this parcel of land – informally known as the “sheep farm” – from the university in 2019.
This spring, CML leaders issued an online survey and hosted a public meeting seeking community input for the new branch. Construction was expected to begin within the next year or two and be completed in 2028.
